What is behind the criminal tendencies in our children? Expert doctors explain

Children killing their own relatives, teenagers ganging up on classmates, and groups of youngsters taking to theft, substance abuse and sexual offences are among the frightening and distressing signs of a rise in violence among children and adolescents. Such incidents must not become the new normal. The growing incidence of violence among children and adolescents came under the spotlight at a discussion organised by us. The discussion featured Dr R Jayaprakash, Professor of Paediatrics and Child Psychiatrist at the Behavioural Paediatrics Unit of SAT Hospital, Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, and Dr Joby Scaria, Senior Consultant Neuropsychiatrist in the UK and Medical Director of BrainWorks Neuropsychiatry and Child Development Centre, Kottayam.

What study says
Based on a study conducted by the Behavioural Paediatrics Department of the SAT Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram:
- There is more than a 50% increase in criminal tendencies in Kerala's children in the past two years
- There was a 66% rise between 2019 and 2024
- Some children in Kerala are staying away from school for fear of bullying and assault by classmates

What is causing these issues?
Doctors cite the following reasons for growing behavioural issues among children:
a) Troubled formative years: Constant family conflicts, a dysfunctional home environment, the presence of people with criminal tendencies, wrong parenting, substance abuse by parents and excessive pampering that fails to teach children empathy can all influence their behaviour.

b) Mobile phones, internet and social media: The digital world is now just a tap away, exposing children to millions of stories, reels, vlogs and live chats every day. Children can also stumble upon an unfiltered world of sexually explicit and other harmful content.
c) ‘Gen’ confusion: Many parents are still struggling to understand how to handle a generation that has grown up in the digital world.

d) Exposure to violence: Children are increasingly exposed to games that glorify violence, fighting and impulsive behaviour. Films and web series filled with violence, brutality and sexual content add to the concern.
e) The deadly lure of drugs: Substance abuse is emerging as one of the biggest threats to children, with drug peddling spreading even to the vicinity of educational institutions.

f) The urge to imitate: The desire to replicate lifestyles showcased on social media, ostentatious displays of ‘heroism’, luxury and scenes from films can sometimes push children towards deviant behaviour. Ironically, families eager to turn their children into social media stars from a young age may themselves be exposing them to cyber traps.
g) The race against time: As studies, tuition, homework, holiday classes and various training programmes take over children's schedules, time for play and family interaction is shrinking. With parents and children often glued to their phones even at home, family members are increasingly retreating into their own worlds.

What's next?
The old approach of talking about children without involving them must give way to a more inclusive approach. What is needed is a social, psychological, cultural and educational transformation that keeps pace with the times while making children active participants in the process. With smartphones and social media now an integral part of everyday life, the focus should be on practical regulation, effective parental supervision and wider awareness.

'Operation Young star': Now or never
Children, with their immense talent and energy, are an asset to society. Let there be an ‘Operation Young star’ to channel their abilities in the right direction, help them overcome behavioural and personality issues, build healthy friendships, strengthen their physical and mental well-being and instil a sense of responsibility and a realistic outlook. A long-term, comprehensive programme led by local bodies, the education, culture, sports and child welfare departments, along with the police, could harness this energy and steer children towards positive and productive pursuits. The way forward

a) Legislation to regulate children's use of social media, along with video age verification systems to prevent access to harmful websites and content.
b) Scientifically designed parenting programmes in every locality, led by local self-government institutions.
c) A digital literacy campaign for adults to help them better understand and navigate the online world.

d) Revamping teacher education curricula, including BEd and MEd programmes, to equip teachers to meet the challenges of the new age.
e) School programmes that reduce the academic burden while equipping children with stronger life skills.
f) Expert teams to identify and address violent tendencies among children at an early stage.
g) Focused intervention programmes to protect children from substance abuse, digital addiction and behavioural disorders.